Youth Activation

Our camps provide a learning experience that brings creativity and the arts together with culture and on-the-land activities. Our facilitators are trained to create a safe and welcoming space for all participants. Building a strong sense of community is central to our program. Participants leave with new friends and mentors who can support them in these formative years.

Are you an Indigenous youth ages 14-18?

We’d love to have you join us at our annual summer camp, this year being held at the Sts’ailes Lhawathet Lalem First Nations Retreat, near Agassiz, BC, August 16-23, 2017. Any questions? Contact our Assistant Carrie or our Program Director Kelly.

We also offer youth camps tailored to community needs, as well as customized youth workshops (½ to 2 days).

Spend a week in a community where everyone supports you to grow in ways you never thought possible. Learn amazing things about yourself and others. Develop confidence in your own voice and abilities. Spend time on the land. Explore your cultural roots. Find the motivation to follow your dreams.

Our camp provides a compassionate and encouraging environment where teenagers thrive. Each participant is shown respect and supported to be their best selves.

What did you learn?

“People are there for you even when you feel alone.”

“It’s amazing to learn new things.”

“It’s okay to be silly.”

“I learned to be more open with people.”

“I learned how to flush the negativity out of my head.”

“I learned how to accept a compliment.”

“I learned to ground myself instead of hiding my emotions and stewing in them until I overflow. I will honor my feelings and know that it’s okay to share when you’re hurting.”

How will your life be different?

“I have more confidence than before.”

“I’m less shy to talk to people now.”

“I will try new experiences.”

“I am not going to let anyone stop me from learning my culture.”

“This will change my life because I will step out of my comfort zone more.”

“I will treat the land better and be more aware of what is happening to it.”

“This camp has given me the motivation to learn the language and get involved with my culture.”

A parent is blown away

“My 17-year-old is the silent type. I couldn’t believe it when he came back from camp and talked for two hours! He was so focused and specific about the steps he wanted to take to reach his goals. He shared some of his needs for support and identified how I could help. It was an amazing blessing.”

“This camp has done a lot of good for our youth. It has built up their self confidence to meet new people and talk—even in large groups.”

“Every youth in my group spoke about how much more proud they are about their culture from this week.”

“I had the honor of witnessing youth break out of their shells and express their true selves. At first the youth in my group did not speak up or share, but as the days and activities progressed, so did their hearts. They become so open and eager to share their experiences. Even the most quiet ones stepped up.”

“I saw the youth share their traditional songs among peers and speak more in their language. I felt the youth become more aware of the land and their responsibility.”

“It seems that this camp has lit the fire of learning, creativity, heart connection, land connection, and cultural connection for so many of us.”

“At first the kids stuck to their friends and refused to make eye contact with anyone… But soon these kids from different communities turned from nervous and withdrawn individuals into a confident group of cohesive friends. The momentum and enthusiasm keep building. The youth were so supportive of one another. It was beautiful to watch how they relaxed and opened up in that environment of trust and acceptance.”

Testimonials

I just want to say that I had a great time here in this workshop. I have learned so much being here and I enjoyed the whole two days. And thank you to all the people who made this amazing workshop happen.

Youth Care Worker

This camp helped me realize who I am, that I am beautiful, that we are all beautiful.

Youth, Okanagan Nation Camp

The power of human beings opening up and sharing their vulnerability amongst total strangers is immeasurable, and that is what this work does. It shows us the way back to our authentic beautiful, creative selves.

AHS Edmonton Participant

Come to IndigenEYEZ workshops with an open mind. Be prepared to fully participate & be open to all kinds of learning. The sessions contain so much meaning and are shared with such compassion.

AOF Participant

IndigenEYEZ energizedme: the facilitators lifted my spirits, they gave me a sense of belonging to my self, to aboriginal people, to our traditions, and to our culture. They empowered me to make changes in myself and step out of the box.

Mel - AHS Edmonton

One of the most important skills I learned with IndigenEYEZ was how to create a safe and supportive environment using the circle, theatre games and empathy consciousness. I was able to apply the skills from the empathy consciousness exercises immediately, not only within my relationship but also with my friends and family. I am so grateful for what I am learning with IndigenEYEYZ.

Leadership Essentials Participant

Youth need to laugh, be light-hearted, feel, not be afraid to make noise, safely break and make rules, use their leadership skills. All of the exercises in this training do exactly that.

Training Participant

I liked learning to listen for celebration, and hearing the desires in complaints – it was so awesome to know about. I liked learning about how much silent processing is going on, and how it continues after.

AOF Participant

We all have gifts in life, and I believe that the creator blessed me with the gift of facilitation so that I could help my community. I look forward to exploring this gift further. I deeply thank you for opening me up to this call from the universe.

AHS Edmonton Participant

I have used the skills many times over in my current job and would recommend anyone to take the workshops. The most significant thing I learned was how to lead a group and make it look like I know what I’m doing! It comes naturally now. It has certainly helped in my job.